Steve Baratta must love the bench. Because he's a judge, he doesn't have to seek reelection. His name will just magically appear on the ballot, and you'll be asked to retain him for another ten years. His annual salary? $152,115.00.
Baratta has thumbed his nose at Democracy Rising PA, a grassroots movement seeking integrity and citizen confidence in government. He's ignored their candidate questionnaire.
But he's making the rounds with local lawyers. In fact, he's invited them to a two-hour reception at the end of this month. For just $150, they get to shake his hand or genuflect or something.
Now, if you're a lawyer, and you practice in front of this guy, how do you say no?
F.P Kimberly McFadden is a judge, too. But when she first ran for judge, she refused to have anything to do with raising money for her campaign. She actually instructed her campaign treasurer, in writing, that he was never to disclose the identity of her contributors. She recognized the appearance of impropriety that arises when a judicial candidate actively solicits money from the very people who appear before her.
But not Baratta. You get to hand him your check, and the head tax is $150, bippy. Lawyers who forget should pack a toothbrush and rubber underwear next time they appear before our next president judge.
